NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science - Components of Food

Q1. Name the major nutrients in our food.
Ans: The major nutrients in our food are named carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, food contains dietary fiber and water which are also needed by our body.

Q2. Name the following: 
(a) The nutrients which mainly give energy to our body. 
(b) The nutrients that are needed for the growth and maintenance of our body.
(c) A vitamin required for maintaining good eyesight. 
(d) A mineral that is required for keeping our bones healthy. 
Ans: 
(a) The nutrients which mainly gives energy to our body – Carbohydrates and Fats

• Carbohydrates and fats are the two major nutrients which provide energy to our body. 
• The rice we eat contains a lot of carbohydrates whereas egg, cheese and butter are rich in fat.

(b) The nutrients that are needed for the growth and maintenance of our body - Proteins

• Proteins are needed for the growth and maintenance of our body.
• Every cell in the human body contains protein.
• We need protein in our diet to help our body repair cells and make new ones.
• Eggs, milk, beans and peas are rich sources of proteins.

(c) A vitamin required for maintaining good eyesight - Vitamin A

• Sweet potatoes are an excellent source, as are leafy green vegetables, pumpkins and bell peppers.
  

• (d) A mineral that is required for keeping our bones healthy – Calcium
  
• The minerals that are required to keep our bones healthy are calcium and vitamin D. 
• We need sufficient calcium to keep our bones healthy and vitamin D helps to absorb the calcium.

Q3. Name two foods each rich in:
(a) Fats
(b) Starch
(c) Dietary fibre
(d) Protein 
Ans:
(a) Fats: Ghee, Butter, Milk, Egg, etc.

• Fat acts as an essential macro-nutrient and is required for the formation of hormones, steroids, and the structural components of the cell.
  
• It also provides cushioning to the body and acts as the storehouse of energy. Example- fish, peanut butter, cheese, flaxseed oils, etc.

(b) Starch: Potatoes, Sugar, Rice, Corn, Peas etc.

• Starch acts as the reservoir of carbohydrates and fulfils the energy demands of organisms.

(c) Dietary Fibre: Whole grains, carrot, wheat, cereals, citrus fruits, etc.

• Dietary fibres play an essential role in digestion. They can be either soluble or insoluble. 
• The insoluble fibres are hygroscopic in nature and form the bulk in faeces by absorbing water.
  
• The soluble fibres can dissolve in water and help to reduce blood cholesterol and blood sugar level.

(d) Protein: Milk, Beans, Egg, Cheese, etc.

• Proteins are the body-building foods required for the production of enzymes, hormones, and various other metabolites. 
  
• It is the major constituent of the cell membrane of a cell.

Q4. Tick (√) the statements that are correct.
(a) By eating rice alone, we can fulfill the nutritional requirement of our body. ( )
(b) Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet. ( )
(c) Balanced diet for the body should contain a variety of food items. ( )
(d) Meat alone is sufficient to provide all nutrients to the body. ( )
Ans:
(a) By eating rice alone, we can fulfill the nutritional requirement of our body. (X)
(b) Deficiency diseases can be prevented by eating a balanced diet. (√)
(c) Balanced diet for the body should contain a variety of food items. (√)
(d) Meat alone is sufficient to provide all nutrients to the body. (X)

Q5. Fill in the blanks.
(a) ______ is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D.
(b) Deficiency of ______ causes a disease known as beriberi.
(c) Deficiency of Vitamin C causes a disease known as ______.
(d) Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of ______ in our food. 
Ans:
(a) Rickets is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D.

(b) Deficiency of vitamin B1 causes a disease known as beriberi.
(c) Deficiency of Vitamin C causes a disease known as scurvy.

(d) Night blindness is caused due to deficiency of vitamin A in our food.